LOC04:58
01:58 GMT
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 10 (KUNA) -- The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said it denied an airliner coming from Pakistan entry into the Saudi airspace on Thursday.
The Boeing 767, belonging to the Pakistani private airline Shaheen Air International, failed to abide by the GACA rules for permitting its entering into the Saudi airspace, the GACA said in a statement tonight.
The GACA regulations, meant to ensure the safety of the passengers and aircraft, are in keeping with the international rules, the statement noted.
The Pakistani airline had already applied for permission to the flight but the application was rejected due to technical observations relating to the plane meeting the international safety standards.
The aircraft, registered as Jordan Aviation JY-JAG and chartered by Shaheen Air, is barred from entering the European airspace, the statement added.
The GACA move is the second in just a couple of days.
An Iranian airliner, carrying 260 would-be performers of 'Umrah' (minor pilgrimage), was denied entry Wednesday night for similar reasons. (end)
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